Hello everyone! This post is coming to you while I’m on vacation, my first non-Disney vacation in a while! I’m in Calgary, Alberta visiting with family and exploring with Ethan!
Today I thought I would share a list of things to do at Walt Disney World, outside of the parks! Walt Disney World is HUGE, and is way more than just theme parks. On our last trip we spent some time out of the parks (which was a little hard for me because I always want to go, go, go!), but it got me thinking of how many things there are to do! So below I’ve listed 10 things to do outside of the parks, in no particular order. Okay, let’s jump in!
1. The Boardwalk
This whole area is a great way to escape the parks while still having a lot to see. We spent a few hours here on our last trip, and I really enjoyed it! With a ton of restaurants to choose from, you won’t go hungry, and there’s always entertainment on the boardwalk at night! It very relaxing for being steps away from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I’d love to stay in this resort area sometime.
2. Mini-Golf or real golf
Walt Disney World has champion courses, plus some fun mini golf courses. I’ve received coupons for the mini golf before but have never used them! There are two different ones to choose from, Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. I’ve heard great things of them, and I’m sure they are some of the best themed mini golf courses you’ve seen!
3. Watch a movie at a resort
Did you know that most Walt Disney World resorts show Disney movies every night? Schedules are available at each hotel, but it would be a nice way to end a day, or even just spend the evening at a resort! The movies are generally set-up close to the main lobby where the food is, so you can grab a bite to eat and watch a Disney movie!
4. Disney Springs
Disney Springs has SO MANY shops and restaurants, you could easily spend a day there! If you have kids they would love the Lego Store and Once Upon a Toy, plus the World of Disney store. And since it got a makeover, it’s beautiful! You can see just a few of the dining options in the picture below.
5. go to the movies
While you’re at Disney Springs, you could go to a movies at the AMC! They even have the restaurant theatres, if you want something special. You’ll have lots of options too, with 24 screens!
6. Hit the pool
If you are staying on-site, have a pool day! They usually have lots of activities for kids at the main pool, plus it’s close to restaurants and food courts. If you want something a little quieter, many resorts have “quiet pools”.
7. Explore a resort
I absolutely love checking out all of the Disney Resorts! No matter what level resort you are staying at, you can always check out something new! We wandered to the Grand Floridian on our last trip for a little while, and it was a lot of fun! You can always make dining reservations at a resort and spend some time there! The picture below is from the Grand Floridian looking back at the Polynesian, our DVC home resort! On our last trip we also spent a lot of time at the resort we were staying at (the Polynesian), and it was really nice to know where I was going all the time!
8. Watch the fireworks
You can see many of the fireworks from many different resorts! Head to the Contemporary Resort and if you dine at California Grill you can watch the fireworks from the observation decks! Below is a picture from said observation deck :). Head to the Boardwalk or Beach Club to see Epcot/ Hollywood Studios fireworks! At Caribbean Beach you can see the Epcot fireworks from the main pool! We watched Holiday Wishes from the beach at the Polynesian, and it was so much fun. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the craziness in the parks as soon as the fireworks are over :).
9. cirque du soleil
Another fun way to spend the evening at Disney Springs is to see the Cirque du Soleil show! The current show La Nouba ends December 31st, 2017, but I’m sure the replacement will be just as amazing! Ethan and I saw La Nouba on our trip in 2013 for his birthday, and it was amazing! I would definitely recommend it!
10. Have a spa day!
You could head to either The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa for a relaxing spa treatment! I’ve never done this, but I’ve heard great things about their spas! I can only imagine how nice that would be on a Disney vacation.
I hope you enjoyed taking a look at some of the many things there are to do on Walt Disney Property! Maybe you try something on a day when you aren’t going to the parks, or just a slower paced afternoon! It can definitely be hard to not be in the parks, but with some many other things you can do it can be nice to take a bit of a break! You know, like a vacation from your vacation ;).
What’s your favourite thing to do at Walt Disney World outside of the parks? Let me know in the comments below!
Thank you so much for reading! And don’t forget to enter my giveaway that ends Sunday! You can find it here 🙂
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